The ending point of the tihai is calculated to fall on a significant point in the rhythmic cycle (called Tala), most often the first beat (called Sum and pronounced like "some"). The other most common ending point of a tihai is the beginning of theGat or Bandish, which is often found several beats before the sum.

If the 3 groupings are played with 2 groupings of rests, which are equally long, then the tihai is called Dumdaar.

Otherwise, if there are no rests between the 3 groupings, then the tihai is called Bedumdaar (or shortly, Bedum).

Sometimes, a pattern is played on the tabla that is almost identical to a tihai, except for the fact that it ends on the beat just before the Sum. Such patterns are known as Anagat.